A Change of Heart

by ChaoticHarmony

On the Run

Branches scraped against their flanks, whipping behind them as they forced their way through the undergrowth. Twigs snapped beneath their hooves, leaves crunched as they weaved through the trees. Needle Wings, leading the way, began to cast aside things in their way with waves of Green fire that possessed no heat. When that proved to be too difficult of a task, he changed into a large colt, and began running through the obstructions, heedless of what they were. There was only 1 thing in his fear-crazed mind; he had to get Cherish away from there, before they got them both. He would have given himself over to them, in retribution for his past sins, but only the worry of what they would do to Cherish kept him going, leading her closer to safety. Soon they came into a clearing, gasping for breath, and they fell onto their knees, fatigue getting the better of their strength. The shouts that followed them into the forest were still near them, and their breath caught with fear. As the shouts began to fade away, Cherish and he had both released a breath that they unconsciously held. Suddenly, Cherish fell over onto her side. He rushed up to her, instantly concerned about her safety. Her breathing came in steady, slow breaths. So, she just collapsed from exhaustion. He thought with a shake of his head. I guess I can't blame her, she's been through a lot today. Exhaustion wracked his whole body as his tired muscles moved him to find a large leaf to drape over her body. After he tucked the edges under Cherish, Needle felt his knees give out, and he found the blackness waiting with open arms.

Cherish tossed about in her make-shift bedding, her mind being tormented with a nightmare.

She was running in a forest, alone, and something was following her. When she looked behind her, there was nothing there, but she knew better, there was something behind her, waiting for her to falter, and then it would have her. She tripped on a stone in her path, a scream tearing from her throat as she fell to the ground, as if in slow motion. Body down in the dirt, she slowly turned, shivering with fear. Standing above her was her sister, a reassuring smile on her face. She sagged with relief knowing her sister was there, and that she would protect her. She leapt up into her sister’s waiting hooves, crying as she hugged her. She then saw something that made her heart skip a beat. Green fire criss-crossed along her sister’s flanks, and the dark-blue coat turned into a black as dark as midnight. She didn’t even have time to scream before the fangs bit into her neck.

Her eyes snapped open to the bright light of Celestia’s sun striking her face from between the gaps in the branches. Feeling alone, she looked to her side, and saw Needle Wings curled up into a ball, twitching in his sleep.

His eyes began to open, a haunting light shining deep inside his soul.

As he entered the world of dreams, Needle Wings was running, not knowing where, or why. He only knew of the hunger that ripped across his insides, blocking out every rational thought.

Ahead of him, he saw a sight of his quarry, a small pony looking backwards as she ran. Her coat was a light blue, with a grey mane. On her flank, a picture resided, but was incomprehensible due to the speed at which she ran. Not looking where she was running, she tripped on a stone, just like all the others. Using an instinctual hunting technique, he turned into a pony that she knew. She jumped into his hooves that he held out to her as a mocking smile lit his lips. She sobbed into his mane. Changing back into himself, he felt his fangs sink into her flesh, stealing out her emotions from the skin. Feeling rejuvenated, he paused as he savored the feelings that he stole from her. Her mane was a stunning silver, which reflected in the moonlight. Her light blue hide looked like the morning sky, sweet and innocent. He savored the feelings that he stole from her. He froze as his eyes found her flank, upon which rested a cutie mark in the semblance of a blue heart between two hooves.

Cherish.

He sank to his knees with the agony of the feelings that ripped through his heart. He thought he would die with the pain.

He screamed her name unto the heavens, feeling himself pulled down into the ground itself.

As his eyes slowly opened, he looked at Cherish sitting a little distance away, looking into his eyes with her beautiful opal stare. Feeling sickened, he retched on the ground, disgusted with himself.Turning away from the concern in Cherish’s eyes, he crawled as far as his body allowed. He was only barely aware of the tears flowing green down his face. The edge of the clearing was aglow with light, the grass sparkling with the light refracting from the droplets of dew. Needle Wings barely noticed this beauty, his vision blurred with tears of self-loathing. He stood up, and began walking down a woodland path.

She began to plod along behind him, silent as she no doubt searched for a way to ask what was wrong. “Needle,” she began, hesitant at first. When he said nothing, she continued. “Needle, we need to go to a town to get news of what’s happening. I need to know everypony is ok.”

Without warning, he turned on her. “Look Cherish, we can’t. They will know that you were taken by a Changeling. They will think you are me! Don’t you understand?” Anguish rippled across his already coarse voice. “We can’t… it simply won’t work!” He stomped a hoof in frustration, unable to meet her eyes.

Cherish backed away from his sudden wave of anger. She could see that he was shaken up about something, but she didn't know what. She put a hoof around him, and drew him close to her in a hug. He didn’t return it, a stiff board between her hooves. “Needle, what happened in your dream?” She looked at him with pleading eyes.

He grabbed her tightly, and took a breath in. Just as she expected him to talk, she felt a prick on her neck. Panicking, she stumbled away from him. He looked at her with an immense regret. “That happened.” The way his voice was laced with disgust made her cringe. She felt tears leaking from her eyes, tears for the poor creature before her, just like he had shed tears for him those few days ago.

They walked along in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts.

As he sat in darkness, Blade Horn brooded. His brother was allowed to have the first taste of his hunting prize. It broke tradition. His fool father wanted to feed Needle and stop him from dying. But then, even given his food, Needle not only didn’t eat, but he sent her back to Equestria, following her as well. That fool is probably being held captive by those stupid ponies.

“Which is why, Blade Horn, you will be going to Equestria tomorrow.” A deep voice, like falling boulders, said from close behind him.

He nearly jumped out of his skin as he heard his father speak behind him, not knowing that he had spoken aloud. Whirling around, he let out a yelp of fear. His father casually smacked him across the face for showing his fear. Face stinging, Blade knew better than to put his hoof to his cheek, as it would only earn him more abuse. Looking up into his father’s eyes, he saw a deep anger boiling in the depths.

“You, Blade Horn, can do what needs to be done. It is only fitting that you be the one to do it.” His father said, assuming the position of authority.

“What is that, exactly, Father?” Blade said hesitantly, avoiding his father’s eyes lest his joy at hearing this would shine in them.

His father heaved a heavy sigh. “You have always specialized in killing magic, have you not?” Without waiting for a response, his father went on. “You will be going to Equestria to do what you do best Blade Horn. Killing.”

“Who is it that I should kill, father?” Blade Horn said, barely able to keep his excitement out of his voice.

Another heavy sigh came from his father. “Your brother, Needle Wings. He is no longer one of us. He has betrayed us to the ponies of Equestria. His father turned away slowly. “I expect no mistakes, even if he is your brother, Blade Horn.”

Blade Horn nodded in understanding, and turned away to begin his preparations, barely able to contain his sadistic glee.